seven ways to have a microadventure at Kingairloch

seven ways to have a microadventure at Kingairloch

Visit Scotland recently wrote an article on their blog about microadventures* in Scotland, and well, that got us thinking as really, you can have one of those right here at Kingairloch! We have managed to come with seven ways to have a microadventure, but with some imagination there will be many more!

Have you been longing for an adventure but don’t have a lot of time? You can still escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and have fun without travelling too far on a microadventure here at Kingairloch. A lot can be fitted in right here on the estate, making an ordinary day extra-ordinary and feel inspired, energised and enthused. It’s really up to you if you want to have your whole stay as a microadventure or just the odd day here and there.

So here are some suggestions to get you started on your Kingairloch microadventure:

Walk the Glengalmadale Horseshoe, taking in the Corbetts of Fuar Bheinn and Creach Bheinn

Distance 10 miles circular, 1400 metres of ascent.

Time 6 to 9 hours

Summary

“This is quite simply the finest hillwalk in Morvern. None of the peninsula’s hills are particularly lofty but the hills in the east, around the tiny hamlet of Kingairloch, are the highest with Creach Bheinn topping out at just under Munro height – 853 metres (2800 feet). The five summits on this walk form a pleasing horseshoe shape, inviting the fit walker to tackle the whole thing in one outing. And if you do, the pain in your calf muscles at the end of the day will be a price worth paying for the exceptional views in all directions. On a clear day you can see Ben Nevis to the north-east, Jura to the south and even the Western Isles. If you are lucky you might spot feral goats, golden eagles and even ptarmigan, a scarce bird in this part of Scotland.”

Written by Jim Manthorpe, You can read the full description of the walk by purchasing a guidebook available in Lochaline Stores or contacting Katrina who can share the article with you.

The pain in your legs is worth it to get views like this, Ben Nevis is in the distance.

Catch and cook your own dinner

You can hire rods or bring your own and fish for wild brown trout in our lochans and rivers (seasons permitting). It is a wonderful feeling to catch and cook your own food whilst on holiday. Our brownies are very wily and provide fantastic sport. Why not take a picnic with you and make a whole day of it on your fishing adventure. You could team your freshly caught fish with produce grown in our walled garden – now that really is beating down food miles!

Catching your own dinner is very rewarding

Explore our 7Km of mountain bike trails

We have 7Km of footpath/mountain bike tracks located throughout the lower parts of the estate, taking in the glens and rivers. Most of them come together forming one big loop and a whole day’s enjoyment can be gleaned by heading out into Corrie Ghardail and stopping by the river for a quick bite to eat. Guests can arrange to have bikes delivered to Kingairloch by Sunart Cycles for the duration of their holiday.

Head out with a picnic and explore the series of footpath routes

Sleep under the stars

The night sky at Kingairloch is awe-inspiring, the lack of light pollution makes star gazing a wonderful activity to do whilst on holiday. Pack a blow-up mattress or lay out a blanket and stare up at the sky and count the numerous constellations. During the Winter months it is often possible to spot the Northern Lights (however you may not want to be sleeping outside to spot these!).

On clear nights, the skies are full of stars

Go off grid for the whole stay

In an age where we are glued to our phones, checking emails, logging into Facebook, why not turn off for your whole holiday and forget about technology? It will do you so much good to disconnect and reconnect with your family and friends who you have gone on holiday with, we like to call it a digital detox. However, you may still have to turn on your phone to snap the many beautiful sights at Kingairloch!

Kingairloch has a very long coast line with Loch Linnhe, and what could be better than looking at the area by boat? Not only are you seeing the landscapes in a different light, but you will also have plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife such as seals, dolphins and eagles. Coastal Connection can pick you up from our pier and take guests out for half or full day excursions. For those really after a microadventure, a whizz over to the Corryvreckan whirlpool would be an unforgettable experience. Read their fantastic blog here.

7) Go wild swimming in the lochs and rivers

The water quality in our rivers and lochans is exceptional, but temperatures are very low, so you may wish to pack a wet suit. That said, after the initial shock of plunging in, wild swimming provides an incredibly invigorating and therapeutic experience all set against a backdrop of jaw-dropping scenery. You could also go for a dip in Loch Linnhe off the beach in front of Elastic Cottage or The Old School.

There are lots of hidden pools and waterfalls for you to enjoy a spot of wild swimming at Kingairloch.

All of these suggestions are of course carried out at your own risk. Children must be supervised at all times.

* Microadventure is a term coined by National Geographic adventurer Alastair Humphreys, who defines microadventures as cheap, simple expeditions and challenges which are close to home, affordable and easy to organise.